Portable vanity organizer

ABSTRACT

A container for toothbrushes includes a receptacle, a top cover and a stand pivotally coupled to the container. The receptacle comprises a base and an upwardly extending wall surrounding the base. The wall is configured for receiving the top cover. The stand is adjustable between a stowed position wherein the container has a substantially horizontal orientation and an in-use, drying position wherein the container has a slanting orientation to assist drainage of fluid present in the container. The receptacle is divided into two or more chambers, at least one chamber defining a bristle receiving opening in the base for receiving bristles of a toothbrush, the opening extending through the base to allow liquid and air movement therethrough when the stand is in the in-use, drying position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a bathroom accessory and, more particularly, to a portable vanity organizer for storing toothbrushes, toiletries and other hygienic and healthcare products.

BACKGROUND

Occupants of college dormitories, military barracks, and similar other living quarters wherein the occupants may typically be required to share bathrooms with fellow occupants face unique challenges. For example, college students living in dormitories may not be allowed to leave any personal items in their dorm bathrooms for reasons such as the need for the vanity tops to be clear of articles to facilitate cleaning by the cleaning crew. College students may accordingly be forced to carry their toiletries in a shower caddy to and from the bathroom on a daily basis. This practice can be unhygienic as oral hygiene products present in the shower caddy can become contaminated when the shower caddy is taken into the showering stall due to the oral hygiene products being exposed to the splashing bath water, for example.

Additionally, currently available portable toiletry organizers do not adequately allow for storing a wet toothbrush in a manner that allows the wet toothbrush to dry adequately; this may result in the interior environment of a portable toiletry organizer encouraging growth of mold and mildew on the toothbrush and within the surfaces of the organizer themselves thereby causing potential health issues.

Accordingly, opportunities exist for providing a portable toiletry organizer that may minimize or eliminate the problems noted above.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form concepts that are further described in the following detailed descriptions. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Disclosed herein is a container for toothbrushes. The container comprises a receptacle, a top cover and a stand pivotally coupled to the container. The receptacle comprises a base and an upwardly extending wall surrounding the base, the wall configured for receiving the top cover. The stand is adjustable between a stowed position wherein the container has a substantially horizontal orientation and an in-use, drying position wherein the container has a slanting orientation to assist drainage of fluid present in the container. The receptacle is divided into two or more chambers, at least one chamber defining a bristle receiving opening in the base for receiving bristles of a toothbrush, the opening extending through the base to allow liquid and air movement therethrough when the stand is in the in-use, drying position.

According to one or more embodiments, the wall defines a rim, wherein the rim has a thickness greater than that of the wall.

According to one or more embodiments, the stand is pivotally coupled to an underside of the container near a distal end of the container.

According to one or more embodiments, the receptacle comprises at least one additional opening extending through the base to assist drainage of fluid present in the container, the additional opening positioned near a proximal end of the container.

According to one or more embodiments, the container further comprises one or more removable or collapsible or foldable partitions for dividing a chamber into sub-chambers.

According to one or more embodiments, the container further comprises a closing mechanism positioned on the top cover that cooperates with a mating point on the wall for removably attaching the top cover to the receptacle.

According to one or more embodiments, the closing mechanism comprises a magnet.

According to one or more embodiments, the container further comprises a securing mechanism for removably attaching the stand to an underside of the base of the receptacle in the stowed position whereby the stand is substantially parallel to the base.

According to one or more embodiments, the securing mechanism comprises a hook and loop mechanism.

According to one or more embodiments, the securing mechanism comprises a magnet.

According to one or more embodiments, the container further comprises a wire mesh or net for closing the bristle receiving opening in the stowed position.

According to one or more embodiments, the wire mesh or net removably attaches to the base of the receptacle by a hook and loop mechanism or a magnet.

According to one or more embodiments, the wall and the base of the receptacle are of rigid construction.

According to one or more embodiments, the wall and the base of the receptacle comprise a plastic material.

According to one or more embodiments, the container is made of dishwasher-safe material.

According to one or more embodiments, the top cover is of rigid construction.

According to one or more embodiments, the top cover is capable of being folded or rolled.

According to one or more embodiments, the top cover is permanently attached to the receptacle.

According to one or more embodiments, the container further comprises a interconnecting flap for offsetting the top cover away from the container in the in-use, drying position, wherein a width of the interconnecting flap approximates a height of the wall.

According to one or more embodiments, the stand is configured to permit two or more slanting orientations of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing, as well as the following Detailed Description of preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there is shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.

The embodiments illustrated, described, and discussed herein are illustrative of the present invention. As these embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to illustrations, various modifications or adaptations of the methods and or specific structures described may become apparent to those skilled in the art. It will be appreciated that modifications and variations are covered by the above teachings and within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope thereof. All such modifications, adaptations, or variations that rely upon the teachings of the present invention, and through which these teachings have advanced the art, are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Hence, these descriptions and drawings should not be considered in a limiting sense, as it is understood that the present invention is in no way limited to only the embodiments illustrated.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a container according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 in a stowed disposition according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 in a stowed disposition when viewed from a side of the container located opposite to the side in view in FIG. 2 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with its top cover in a closed disposition according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Below, the technical solutions in the examples of the present invention are depicted clearly and comprehensively with reference to the figures according to the examples of the present invention. Obviously, the examples depicted here are merely some examples, but not all examples of the present invention. In general, the components in the examples of the present invention depicted and shown in the figures herein can be arranged and designed according to different configurations. Thus, detailed description of the examples of the present invention provided in the figures below are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention as claimed, but merely represent selected examples of the present invention. On the basis of the examples of the present invention, all of other examples that could be obtained by a person skilled in the art without using inventive efforts will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings:

As noted earlier, occupants of college dormitories, military barracks, and similar other living quarters may need to share bathrooms with fellow occupants, which can cause unique challenges. For example, college students living in dormitories face a considerable problem of not being allowed to leave any personal items in their dorm bathrooms for reasons such as the need for the vanity tops to be clear of articles to facilitate cleaning of the vanity tops by the cleaning crew. As a result, college students may be forced to carry their toiletries in a shower caddy to and from the bathroom on a daily basis. This practice can be unhygienic, as oral hygiene products present in the shower caddy can become contaminated when the shower caddy is taken into the showering stall and the oral hygiene products are exposed to the splashing bath water, for example. Additionally, college students living in dormitories who travel home during breaks may want to bring their oral hygiene products with them while leaving nonessential toiletries in the dormitory; however, there may not be a convenient and hygienic way to accomplish this. Further, in the context of travelers, in order to prevent contracting illnesses—especially to parts of the world where conditions are less sanitary than desirable—it is important that a traveler's hygiene products stays clean, dry and away from bacteria and viruses.

Travelers and dormitories residents often face limited vanity top space in the bathrooms of hotels and dormitories. Currently available portable toiletry organizers may not adequately allow for storing a wet toothbrush in a manner that allows the wet toothbrush to dry adequately. This may result in an interior environment of the portable toiletry organizer encouraging the growth of mold and mildew on the toothbrush and within the surfaces of the organizer themselves. Also, portable toiletry organizers are often made out of fabric, which may not present itself for ease of cleaning, and may leave behind unwanted stains and prospective contamination. Further, typical organizers do not isolate oral hygiene products from other toiletries, which can result in added contamination.

Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter advantageously overcome several of the above noted shortcomings. Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter can advantageously hold a user's oral hygiene products in a clean and mobile container that is easy to organize and to clean. The presently disclosed subject matter also provides for a separate compartment for the toothbrush and includes features that allow for fast drying and cleanliness. For example, embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter can operate to minimize contact between bristles in the head of a toothbrush and other surfaces thereby facilitating cleanliness by minimizing contact with unclean surfaces. The opening (also referred to herein as “bristle receiving opening”) provided in the base of container within the toothbrush compartment or chamber can permit the toothbrush with constant ventilation so that it can get dry. Keeping the toothbrush dry can advantageously minimize growth of microbes and bacteria, which tend to grow in damp environments.

Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter can advantageously allow storage of various types of toothbrush including traditional toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes that include a spin brush. Furthermore, embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter provide for removable partitions that permit adjustment of compartment spaces within the container such that the spaces within the organizer can be adjusted based on the different sized products being stored therein. Adjustability of compartments can also permit for products that are inside of it to be fit in snugly such that their movement is restrained when the container is being transported. The container according to various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter can also include a stand that facilities the container to be secured in a slanting positions to allow easily access to all of the products therein when needed while simultaneously minimizing the counter space required for these products by consolidating them conveniently within the container. Rather than storing products on the bathroom counter, storing them within the container as disclosed herein can thus allow for increased counter space for other uses and further help the bathroom look cleaner and well organized.

When the stand is engaged in an in-use, drying position, it can allow the toothbrush to ventilate through the opening and further for any fluid present within the container to drain through openings provided at the lower end of the container. Further, when the stand is disengaged in a stowed position, the stand can close the bristle receiving opening to create an enclosed travel-worthy portable container.

Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter can be used in personal bathrooms, hotel bathrooms and in outdoor camping applications. The containers as disclosed herein can be stored easily in locations such as next to a bathroom sink or inside a cabinet. Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter can be made of rigid, semi-rigid and/or flexible materials. In one embodiment, the container as disclosed herein can be constructed of hard plastic. Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter can also be made of material that is dishwasher safe, allowing for ease of cleaning after use. Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter can also allow for separate adjustable compartments allowing for easy and clean storage of oral hygiene and cosmetic products. Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter can also fit easily inside a carry-on luggage.

A container for toothbrushes as disclosed herein comprises a receptacle, a top cover and a stand pivotally coupled to the container. The receptacle comprises a base and an upwardly extending wall surrounding the base, the wall configured for receiving the top cover. The stand is adjustable between a stowed position wherein the container has a substantially horizontal orientation and an in-use, drying position wherein the container has a slanting orientation to assist drainage of fluid present in the container. The receptacle is divided into two or more chambers, at least one chamber defining a bristle receiving opening in the base for receiving bristles of a toothbrush, the opening extending through the base to allow liquid and air movement therethrough when the stand is in the in-use, drying position. Some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter will now be explained with reference to the Figures.

FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate container 100 according to one or more embodiments of of the presently disclosed subject matter. FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of container 100 with its top cover open whereas FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of container 100 with its top cover closed. FIGS. 2 and 3 show side perspective views of container 100 with the top cover with stand 48 in the in-use, drying position. FIG. 3 is a perspective view as seen from a side opposite to the side as shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, container 100 includes receptacle 22, top cover 32 and stand 48 pivotally coupled to container 100. In one or more embodiments, container 100 is a portable vanity organizer that can be advantageously used for storing toothbrushes, toiletries and other hygienic and healthcare products. In one embodiment, container 100 can include a carrying handle (not shown) to facilitate transportation one location to another. In the same embodiment or in a different embodiment, container 100 can also include a locking mechanism configured to prevent cover 32 from inadvertently opening when the closed container is being transported or moved in a stowed configuration or position from one location to another.

Receptacle 22 of container 100 comprises base 18 and upwardly extending wall 20 surrounding base 18. Wall 20 configured for receiving top cover 32. Stand 48 is adjustable at least between a stowed position wherein container 100 has a substantially horizontal orientation (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) and an in-use, drying position (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) wherein container 100 has a slanting orientation to assist drainage of fluid present in the container.

Receptacle 22 of container 100 is divided into chambers by one or more dividers such as divider 28, with toothbrush chamber 36 representing one such chamber. Toothbrush chamber 36 defines a bristle receiving opening 40 in base 18 configured for receiving bristles of a toothbrush. Bristle receiving opening 40 extends through base 18 to allow liquid and air movement therethrough when stand 48 is in the in-use, drying position. Bristle receiving opening 40 can have an oval, square, rectangle, circle, triangle, polygon, or similar other shape. In one embodiment, a wire mesh or net (not shown) is provided for closing bristle receiving opening 40 whereby the bristle receiving opening is closed by the wire mesh or net—either in the stowed position or in the in-use, drying position, as preferred by the user of the container. In one embodiment, this wire mesh or net is configured for removably attaching to the base of the receptacle by a hook and loop mechanism, a magnet mechanism, or a similar other mechanism for removably covering the bristle receiving opening 40 in the stowed position and/or in the in-use, drying position, as preferred by the user of the container.

In one embodiment, wall 20 and base 18 of receptacle 22 are of rigid construction. In one embodiment, the wall and the base of the receptacle are made of metal, wood, plywood, plastic or similar other material. In some embodiments, the container is made of dishwasher-safe material such as, for example, dishwasher-safe plastic. In one embodiment, the top cover is of rigid construction. In one embodiment, the top cover is capable of being folded or rolled. In some embodiments the top cover is permanently attached to the receptacle whereas in other embodiments the top cover is configured for detachably attaching to the receptacle using a securing mechanism such as magnet, hook and loop, or a similar other mechanism well known to the person of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

In one embodiment, stand 48 is configured to permit two or more slanting orientations of container 100. In one embodiment, stand 48 is constructed of rigid or semi-rigid materials. In one embodiment, stand 48 is pivotally coupled to an underside of the container (for e.g., to an underside of base 18) near a distal end of the container; alternately, stand 48 can be pivotally coupled to an external surface of wall 20 near a distal end of the container. In one embodiment, receptacle 22 includes one or more additional openings (not shown in the Figs.) extending through base 18 for assisting drainage of fluid present in the container, the additional openings being positioned near a proximal end of the container opposite the distal end.

In one embodiment, container 100 further includes a securing mechanism (not shown) for removably attaching stand 48 to an underside of base 18 of receptacle 22 in the stowed position thereby rendering stand 48 substantially parallel to base 18. According to one embodiment, the securing mechanism comprises a hook and loop mechanism. According to other embodiments, the securing mechanism can comprise a magnet or a similar other commonly used mechanism that permits removably attaching the stand to the underside of the base.

Receptacle 22 includes one or more partitions 16, which can be removable. The removability of partitions 16 can allow it to be conveniently relocated and slid into another set of grooves 26. Divider 28 may be permanent or removable. In one embodiment, the dividers and/or the partitions are removable or foldable or both removable and foldable. The removable and/or foldable partitions can conveniently divide a chamber into sub-chambers.

In various embodiments, container 100 further includes interconnecting flap 30 for offsetting top cover 32 away from container 100 in the in-use, drying position. Flap 30 can have a width approximating the height of wall 20. In one embodiment, container 11 further includes rim 24 for receiving top cover 32. In some embodiments rim 24 has a thickness greater than that of wall 20.

In one embodiment, the container includes closing mechanism 34 positioned on top cover 32 that cooperates with a closing mechanism mating point 38 near the top of wall 20 for removably attaching the top cover to the wall of the receptacle. In one embodiment, the closing mechanism includes a magnet or a similar other commonly used closing mechanism that allows removably closing the receptacle using the top cover. In another embodiment, the closing mechanism includes a hook and loop set-up.

In one embodiment, the container includes provisions for hanging the container to a hook or a rod. In one embodiment, the container includes provisions for hanging or detachably attaching the container to a wall or a similar other surface.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the Detailed Description. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A container comprising: a container for toothbrushes, the container comprises a receptacle, a top cover and a stand pivotally coupled to the container, wherein the receptacle comprises a base and an upwardly extending wall surrounding the base, the wall configured for receiving the top cover, wherein the stand is adjustable between a stowed position wherein the container has a substantially horizontal orientation and an in-use, drying position wherein the container has a slanting orientation to assist drainage of fluid present in the container, wherein the receptacle is divided into two or more chambers, at least one chamber defining a bristle receiving opening in the base for receiving bristles of a toothbrush, the opening extending through the base to allow liquid and air movement therethrough when the stand is in the in-use, drying position.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the wall defines a rim, wherein the rim has a thickness greater than that of the wall.
 3. The container of claim 1, wherein the stand is pivotally coupled to an underside of the container near a distal end of the container.
 4. The container of claim 3, wherein the receptacle comprises at least one additional opening extending through the base to assist drainage of fluid present in the container, the additional opening positioned near a proximal end of the container.
 5. The container of claim 1, further comprising one or more removable or foldable partitions for dividing a chamber into sub-chambers.
 6. The container of claim 1, further comprising a closing mechanism positioned on the top cover that cooperates with a mating point on the wall for removably attaching the top cover to the receptacle.
 7. The container of claim 6, wherein the closing mechanism comprises a magnet.
 8. The container of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a securing mechanism for removably attaching the stand to an underside of the base of the receptacle in the stowed position whereby the stand is substantially parallel to the base.
 9. The container of claim 8, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a hook and loop mechanism.
 10. The container of claim 8, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a magnet.
 11. The container of claim 1, further comprising a wire mesh or net for closing the bristle receiving opening in the stowed position.
 12. The container of claim 11, wherein the wire mesh or net removably attaches to the base of the receptacle by a hook and loop mechanism or a magnet.
 13. The container of claim 1, wherein the wall and the base of the receptacle are of rigid construction.
 14. The container of claim 13, wherein the wall and the base of the receptacle comprise a plastic material.
 15. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is made of dishwasher-safe material.
 16. The container of claim 1, wherein the top cover is of rigid construction.
 17. The container of claim 1, wherein the top cover is capable of being folded or rolled.
 18. The container of claim 17, wherein the top cover is permanently attached to the receptacle.
 19. The container of claim 1, further comprising a interconnecting flap for offsetting the top cover away from the container in the in-use, drying position, wherein a width of the interconnecting flap approximates a height of the wall.
 20. The container of claim 1, wherein the stand is configured to permit two or more slanting orientations of the container. 